Decisions & Choices — Idioms
Fences, gut feelings, and no-brainers — how Americans decide. · 10 idioms · Level B1
on the fence
Meaning: undecided between two options
neutral decisions, opinions
Example: I'm still on the fence about selling the car.
A Still on the fence about the job?
B The salary says yes, the commute says no.
⚠️ Common mistake: On THE fence — sitting between two yards (options). ABOUT the topic: on the fence about the move.
make up your mind
Meaning: to finally decide
informal shopping, daily decisions
Example: Make up your mind — the sale ends tonight.
A Make up your mind, please.
B The blue one. Final answer.
⚠️ Common mistake: Make up YOUR mind (possessive follows the decider). A command when said alone — soften with 'take your time'.
a tough call
Meaning: a difficult decision
neutral work, sports, life decisions
Example: Choosing between two great candidates was a tough call.
A It was a tough call.
B Both deserved the promotion.
⚠️ Common mistake: A tough CALL — call = decision (like a referee's call). Not a phone call.
play it by ear
Meaning: to improvise; decide as the situation develops
informal plans, weekends, travel
Example: No fixed plan for Saturday — let's play it by ear.
A What's the plan for the trip?
B We'll play it by ear after we arrive.
⚠️ Common mistake: Play it BY ear — like music without sheet music: you respond to the moment.
take it or leave it
Meaning: accept this offer or nothing (final offer)
informal negotiations, sales
Example: Five hundred is my final price — take it or leave it.
A Take it or leave it, he said.
B So I left it. Found a fairer seller.
⚠️ Common mistake: Take it or leave it — ultimatum energy. In friendly talk it's risky; in markets it's normal.
go with your gut
Meaning: to trust your instinct instead of over-thinking
informal advice, big choices
Example: Both jobs look equal — go with your gut.
A I can't decide by lists anymore.
B Then go with your gut.
⚠️ Common mistake: Go with YOUR gut — the gut (stomach) as your instinct's voice. Warm, friendly advice.
think twice
Meaning: to think carefully before doing something risky
neutral warnings, advice
Example: Think twice before lending him money.
A Think twice before quitting.
B Sleep on it first — then decide.
⚠️ Common mistake: Think twice ABOUT something / BEFORE doing: think twice before signing.
have second thoughts
Meaning: to start doubting a decision you've made
neutral doubts, big decisions
Example: She's having second thoughts about the move.
A Second thoughts about the wedding venue?
B Only about the size. The place is perfect.
⚠️ Common mistake: Have second thoughts ABOUT a decision — doubts arriving AFTER deciding.
weigh the pros and cons
Meaning: to consider the advantages and disadvantages
neutral decisions, essays, meetings
Example: We weighed the pros and cons before moving.
A Weigh the pros and cons first.
B List them tonight, decide tomorrow.
⚠️ Common mistake: Weigh the pros AND cons — both sides, in that order. A favorite essay phrase too.
a no-brainer
Meaning: a decision so obvious it needs no thought
informal obvious choices
Example: Free training with a certificate? A no-brainer.
A Take the scholarship?
B A no-brainer. Yes, immediately.
⚠️ Common mistake: A no-brainer — informal, cheerful: the brain can stay off for this one.
Practice
Flashcards
Tap a card to flip it. Mark what you know — your progress saves on this device.
Matching Game
Tap an expression, then tap its meaning.
Keep going
Ad space